HARRISBURG-- Republicans will hold a majority in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court after a newly-elected judge is sworn into office.

Judge Joan Orie Melvin defeated Democrat Jack Panella in Tuesday's election.

Both candidates waged a bitter t.v. advertisement campaign.

Panella and Melvin currently serve on the Superior Court.

Republicans will regain a 4-3 edge in the state's highest court that the GOP lost in 2007.